GSK donates medicines to flood victims

GSK Pharmaceuticals Sri Lanka Managing Director Stuart Chapman hands-over the consignment to Minister Maithripala Sirisena. GSK’s Medical Director Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya is also in the picture.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the leading pharmaceuticals, vaccines and healthcare company in Sri Lanka, has donated a consignment of essential medicines worth Rs. 2 million to the government for the use of those affected by the recent floods.

The consignment was presented to the Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena by GSK Pharmaceuticals Sri Lanka Managing Director, Stuart Chapman recently.

The consignment comprised broad spectrum antibiotics, respiratory products (including inhalers) and vitamins.

"As a leader in pharmaceuticals and vaccines, GSK is closely linked to the community in which we operate and we therefore believe it is our responsibility to support the government and people of Sri Lanka in this time of need, with much needed medicines," said Chapman. "This is in addition to GSK's current commitment of Rs. 39 million to a three year program to empower disabled people in the Southern Province, which is implemented through the Leonard Cheshire Disability."

GSK also donated essential medications in the aftermath of the tsunami. The company spent Rs. 29 million to help restore healthcare systems and improve service capacity in affected areas. Among other community initiatives by GSK are the donation of a fully equipped High Dependency unit (HDU) to the Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital and the refurbishments of wards at the Welisara Chest Hospital and the Lunawa District Hospital.